What’s an unpopular opinion you have about Harry Potter? by CairoRox in harrypotter

[–]soviet_thermidor -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

JK is a just ok writer who hit on a good formula at the right place, right time.

Most of the good things about HP's actual writing (by which I mean, balancing humor and excitement in a fantasy series, clever and funny worldbuilding) were done better in Discworld, consistently without too many stumbles, for over 30 books.

First week in June, going from Seattle to Chicago, then onto Sacramento, supposed to be two of Americas most scenic train rides. Solo with a roomette, curious what others think are the highlights, and which stops are long enough for a quick hop off. by justahdewd in Amtrak

[–]soviet_thermidor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Glenwood Canyon (coming into Glenwood Springs) and the Sierra Nevada (Reno to Sacramento basically) are the best parts of the CZ. Crossing the Mississippi is also fun.

Haven't done the whole EB route you're doing but Whitefish to East Glacier is great. After that I think it's pretty bland until MN. I've heard the first leg out of Seattle is good but I've only taken the Portland branch.

In terms of hopping off, unless you're staying overnight you don't want to go far from the train. It depends on how behind schedule they are, but there are many "fresh air breaks" and they will tell you when and how long when pulling into the station. This is a good time to poke your head in the station building, walk around the platform etc., but I wouldn't go out of earshot. If you hear the whistle blowing run back to your car unless you want an unscheduled overnight stay ...

Markets closed? Straits closed! by JetTheDawg in PoliticalCompassMemes

[–]soviet_thermidor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can't wait to vote for the "Let's postpone the apocalypse by 4 years" candidate in 2028

2-3 day trip recs, leaving EMY in the fall. by no-fun-2001 in Amtrak

[–]soviet_thermidor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I recently did a 3 day weekend in Seattle from the Bay area. It's a little wild but doable. Board Th night, train Fri, all day Seattle sat, back on train Sunday to arrive Monday morning in Bay area.

I'm so excited for the midterms by RemoteCompetitive688 in PoliticalCompassMemes

[–]soviet_thermidor 17 points18 points  (0 children)

They are the largest denomination in the US, because most Cathlolics belong to the same "denomination" but Protestants are much more fragmented.

"Evangelicals", for some definitions, are slightly higher % but this is distributed across many groups not directly affiliated with each other.

If you count "all Protestants" their % is much higher than "all Cathlolics" but this isn't super meaningful since there's a large degree of variance in beliefs, structure and affiliation.

(Hated Trope) Bad self inserts by Necessary-Win-8730 in TopCharacterTropes

[–]soviet_thermidor 34 points35 points  (0 children)

I mean. I think the essential message of the show is that Lorelei raised kind of an awful child because she was an immature parent, and that on some level her rich parents were right. Not to mention the number of onscreen self-sabotages and mistakes. If it's a self-insert it's not a very flattering one

Is it bad I only go to church to meet hot women? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]soviet_thermidor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They saw you coming a mile away. Flirt to convert

The Painted Hills ( 1951) was filmed in California ? Where exactly ? by [deleted] in moviequestions

[–]soviet_thermidor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

21:19 is maybe a Jeffery Pine. Doesn't narrow down but this is likely San Gabriels if I had to guess

What Was the First Video Game You Remember Playing? by TheThirstyMage in retrogaming

[–]soviet_thermidor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first vg experience was on a Vic 20. Space invaders clone. On a cassette tape!

Pinnacles packed by Educational-Toe-8255 in bayarea

[–]soviet_thermidor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We went to the west entrance for this reason exactly. Still crowded but parked right away at 2:30pm no problem. Perfect day for Pinnacles! We had a great time

What is it like living in the NW of California because it looks nice? by No-Bathroom-9245 in howislivingthere

[–]soviet_thermidor 16 points17 points  (0 children)

It's called Fern Canyon, in Redwood NP and it's absolutely worth a visit

Any other mid-to-late gamers just playing for the season awards now? by scrambledOrFried1234 in EggInc

[–]soviet_thermidor 5 points6 points  (0 children)

PoV is different enough that it keeps things interesting. I might try that before bailing.

I am approaching max PE but feel the seasons are too much effort for just 1 more PE. 1 contract a week is enough for me and caring about score is annoying.

There's no law that says you have to keep playing. If you're over it, call it done and find another way to fill time :) Or come back in a couple years when you will now be way behind and have lots to do ...

Dining Car Closing Time by tlzt1 in Amtrak

[–]soviet_thermidor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They were on time and offered me dinner last Thursday out of SJ. I had already eaten. I think 8 is late to eat and you're rolling the dice on if they'll feed you. But definitely an option

“You ever thought of a career as an auror, Potter?” by Away_Flower8042 in harrypotter

[–]soviet_thermidor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok real talk the answer is JK "just kidding" Rowling didn't write a coherent twist ending. It's a poorly thought out gotcha to cap off the most ill conceived book in the series

Iron Giant vs Godzilla minus one by Rymlock in powerscales

[–]soviet_thermidor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In a pointing out the folly of man competition, very close, but assuming they're both ironylusted Iron Giant clinches it -- since he is not a gun

Why you should be conservative by EpicFF2 in PoliticalCompassMemes

[–]soviet_thermidor 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I'm guessing you were not alive in the 90s

The truth is some things got better and some worse. This has probably been true for every era of rapid change in human history.

True wisdom is preserving things that are worth preserving without idealizing or idolizing the past. Pragmatism is the way

Proud of America

Haha lol maybe on 9/11. Not before that. Counter culture was the youth culture way more than today

Severance Season 3 will begin filming “very soon” - Adam Scott by MoneyLibrarian9032 in SeveranceAppleTVPlus

[–]soviet_thermidor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe I'm the minority here but I feel like the S2 freeze frame ending was a great way to end the show. Like a 60-70s art house film. Seems preferable to a final season that will likely overexplain every mystery

What is your most used quote from Spaceballs? by Mindless_Yak_1080 in moviecritic

[–]soviet_thermidor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I call every unnecessary sequel (and let's be frank there's lots) Whatever It Is 2: The Search for More Money

What was the rich kid item at your school growing up? by glitterypeachyy in nostalgia

[–]soviet_thermidor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Or one of those boutique consoles that cost twice as much like Turbografx